Bhubaneswar: A software engineer was duped of around Rs 80,000 after he reportedly placed an order for home delivery of liquor in Bhubaneswar. The matter came to the fore after the engineer lodged a complaint in this regard at Chandrasekharpur Police Station on Tuesday. The techie alleged that the money was deducted in four phases […]

Bhubaneswar: A software engineer was duped of around Rs 80,000 after he reportedly placed an order for home delivery of liquor in Bhubaneswar. The matter came to the fore after the engineer lodged a complaint in this regard at Chandrasekharpur Police Station on Tuesday.

The techie alleged that the money was deducted in four phases from his two bank accounts. Based on the complaint, the police officials have started investigation in connection with the matter.

As per reports, the software engineer placed online order for home delivery of liquor at Kadambari Wine Shop & Home Delivery and paid Rs 980 through PhonePe.

However, the transaction failed following which he contacted the liquor service provider through phone number provided in its website.

Narrating about the incident, the software engineer said, “I came to know about the online wine shop through Facebook and booked the order online. Later, they sent me another number and asked me to transfer the payment through PhonePe. I accordingly sent the money but after waiting for one and half hours when they did not respond, I contacted them over phone regarding the delay.”

He further alleged, “They told that there are some registration procedures and sent me a barcode to scan and register. When I scanned it through my PhonePe account, Rs 19,020 was debited from my bank account.”

Later when he queried about the deduction, the service provider reportedly sent him another barcode and told the money was mistakenly deducted and assured refund. However, when he scanned the barcode again, a sum of Rs 19,020 was again deducted from his bank account.

After a little while, a sum of another Rs 31,240 was also deducted from his bank account, alleged the software engineer.

The techie claimed while Rs 70,000 was debited from his SBI account, Rs 9,980 was deducted from his Standard Chartered bank account. Both his accounts were linked to his PhonePe account.

Earlier on May 25, a youth of Chandrasekharpur area in Bhubaneswar was allegedly duped of Rs 36,000 by a fake online liquor vendor in the capital city.

Following the reports of the online fraud, the Odisha government has cautioned the people about the cyber fraud while receiving orders for home delivery of alcohol.

Raipur: Police in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh have busted a country-made weapons factory in neighbouring Malkangiri district of Odisha, and arrested a Maoist sympathiser who was operating it to supply the arms to Naxals, police said on Sunday. The action was taken based on the inputs provided by a Naxal identified as Madvi Joga (40), […]

Raipur: Police in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh have busted a country-made weapons factory in neighbouring Malkangiri district of Odisha, and arrested a Maoist sympathiser who was operating it to supply the arms to Naxals, police said on Sunday.

The action was taken based on the inputs provided by a Naxal identified as Madvi Joga (40), who was arrested from Gadiras police station area of Sukma on Friday, Sukma Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha told PTI.

Acting on a tip-off about the movement of the wanted ultra Joga near Rasavaya village, a team of police raided the spot on Friday and apprehended him, he said.

A muzzle-loading gun was recovered from the possession of Joga, who was an active as a member of Maoists’ Katekalyan area committee and carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh on his head, he said.

He was allegedly associated with the outlawed CPI (Maoist) since the past 7-8 years and tasked with supplying country-made guns to ultras in Sukma, he said.

“During his interrogation, he revealed that a home-run country-made gun-manufacturing unit for supplying firearms to Naxals was being run by Maoist sympathiser Jagganath Barnai in Bhasriguda village in the neighbouring Malkangiri district (Odisha),” he said.

Later, a raid was conducted there in coordination with Malkangiri police and Barnai (45) was arrested, he said.

Police found two muzzle-loading guns, 10 barrels of guns, gun-butts, along with tools used for making weapons from his house, he said.

The investigation revealed that Barnai had supplied at least 35 muzzle-loading guns to Naxals in Sukma in the last one year, Sinha said, adding that further investigation into the matter is underway.

Bhadrak: Three unidentified miscreants allegedly looted Rs 10.8 lakh cash after attacking an employee of an LPG distribution agency near Jijharpur Railway crossing under Tihidi block of Bhadrak district today. The victim employee has been identified has Pramod Bhanja. He has been admitted to Tihidi Community Health Centre and stated to be stable now. As […]

Bhadrak: Three unidentified miscreants allegedly looted Rs 10.8 lakh cash after attacking an employee of an LPG distribution agency near Jijharpur Railway crossing under Tihidi block of Bhadrak district today.

The victim employee has been identified has Pramod Bhanja. He has been admitted to Tihidi Community Health Centre and stated to be stable now.

As per reports, Bhanja was going to deposit the money in UCO Bank’s Tihidi branch when three persons on a bike attacked him with a wooden stick and sharp weapon. Later, they snatched away the money bag from Bhanja and fled the spot. It is stated that the motorcycle used in the crime had no registration number plate.

Some locals present at the spot rescued Bhanja and rushed him to Tihidi CHC.

“I was going to deposit Rs 10.80 lakh in the bank when three persons with their faces covered attacked me from behind and fled with the money bag,” informed Bhanja.

Subsequently, a police complaint was lodged at Tihidi Police Station following which an investigation has been launched in connection with the incident.

Even as Bhadrak district has been declared COVID-19 red zone in a fresh notification issued by the State government yesterday, three persons moving on a bike has raised doubts on the implementation of lockdown norms in the district.

Konark: Police on Wednesday arrested five persons including the sarpanch of Achyutapur gram panchayat in connection with the bombing on the residence of OTV news channel’s Konark correspondent, Sanjay Pati. Achyutapur sarpanch Bhakta Ballav Das is the mastermind behind the bombing on the night of April 23, informed Puri Superintendent of Police, Umashankar Das. Speaking […]

Konark: Police on Wednesday arrested five persons including the sarpanch of Achyutapur gram panchayat in connection with the bombing on the residence of OTV news channel’s Konark correspondent, Sanjay Pati.

Achyutapur sarpanch Bhakta Ballav Das is the mastermind behind the bombing on the night of April 23, informed Puri Superintendent of Police, Umashankar Das.

Speaking about the motive of the crime, he said the bombing was fallout of past enmity.

Four other accused arrested in connection with the crime are Dhiraj Swain, Badal Nayak, Kailash Pradhan and Dillip Nayak. One 9 MM pistol, two rounds of bullets and a motorcycle were seized from their possession.

According to police, Bhakta Ballav along with four other accused had hurled three bombs at the residence of Pati located at Karamanga village on April 23 midnight.

#BREAKING: Three bike-borne miscreants hurl bombs at the house of an #OTV representative in Balisahi area of Konark. Later, the assailants flee the spot after threatening locals by brandishing gun; Police investigation underway pic.twitter.com/P3Ux1spbYA

While escaping from the spot on motorcycles after executing the crime, the five accused ran into a police patrolling team midway. Though the team tried to nab them, they managed to flee by threatening the personnel with gun.

The journalist’s father, Jalandhar Pati had lodged a complaint in this regard at Konark Police Station and a case was registered. Another case was registered against the five accused for threatening police with weapon.

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police on Saturday arrested a youth along with his associate for allegedly making amorous advances towards a girl by posing as a police inspector. A team of Khandagiri Police arrested the youth from Badagada area of the capital city, Bhubaneswar in connection with the incident and also nabbed his aide who is […]

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police on Saturday arrested a youth along with his associate for allegedly making amorous advances towards a girl by posing as a police inspector.

A team of Khandagiri Police arrested the youth from Badagada area of the capital city, Bhubaneswar in connection with the incident and also nabbed his aide who is working with a local media company.

According to the complainant, who is stated to be rape-survivor, the prime accused made contact with her posing as the Inspector-In-Charge of Khandagiri Police Station and asked her to hush up the case. He also allegedly proposed his love to the girl.

The matter came to light after the girl becoming doubtful, approached Khandagiri Police and lodged a complaint.

Later, Khandagiri Police launched an investigation into the incident and arrested the youth. Upon interrogation, the involvement of another youth, who had helped the prime accused, came to fore, following which the cops also nabbed him and forwarded both of them to court.

Even though police have not revealed any details, sources said there are several cases are pending against the associate of the prime accused.

Earlier on Friday, the Twin City Police had nabbed a lady for cheating people by posing as an IPS officer.

Baripada: Four police personnel were injured in Mayurbhanj district on Thursday as a group of people from neighbouring Jharkhand attacked them after being denied entry into Odisha in view of lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19, police said. Around 20 people riding motorcycles from Jharkhand tried to forcibly enter into Odisha at Benisagar on […]

Baripada: Four police personnel were injured in Mayurbhanj district on Thursday as a group of people from neighbouring Jharkhand attacked them after being denied entry into Odisha in view of lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19, police said.

Around 20 people riding motorcycles from Jharkhand tried to forcibly enter into Odisha at Benisagar on the inter-state border, but they were stopped by the police personnel deployed at the entry point which has been sealed due to ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Karanjia, Narayan Nayak said.

On being denied entry, the intruders turned violent and pelted stones on the policemen, the SDPO said, adding the miscreants also damaged the barricade erected on the border gate.

Four police personnel sustained injuries and they have been admitted to hospital at nearby Raruan, police said.

With the help of Jharkhand police,two persons have been arrested in this connection and investigation into the incident is in progress, Nayak said.

On the other hand, as many as 76 cases have been registered for rumour-mongering during lockdown in the State today

The Odisha Police have registered 144 cases over violation of different regulations and guidelines related to coronavirus in last 24 hours, said Subroto Bagchi, Odisha government chief spokesperson on COVID-19.

The cases have been registered during April 15-16.

Of the total cases, 134 cases had been registered for violation of lockdown, 4 for home quarantine and 6 for related issues, said Bagchi. 152 people have been arrested by police for different violations.

Bhubaneswar: When all of India is under lockdown in the wake of Coronavirus outbreak, thieves dared the Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar by allegedly stealing valuables worth lakhs of Rupees from two households in the city early this morning. As per reports, some miscreants entered the house of one Nalinikanta Behera in Bairagi Nagar area under […]

Bhubaneswar: When all of India is under lockdown in the wake of Coronavirus outbreak, thieves dared the Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar by allegedly stealing valuables worth lakhs of Rupees from two households in the city early this morning.

As per reports, some miscreants entered the house of one Nalinikanta Behera in Bairagi Nagar area under Laxmisagar police limits in the city when his mother was out to pluck flowers. Nalinikanta alleged that neither he nor any other family member got the slightest clue of them breaking open the safe inside the house.

The thieves reportedly sprayed some kind of drug on the house owner’s face and decamped with jewellery, two mobile phones and some important documents. When Nalinikanta woke up from sleep, he was stunned realising that his house was looted.
He immediately rushed to the local police station and lodged a complaint.

“I felt some kind of sticky substance below my nostrils. I am sure that the thieves sprayed some sedative substance on me before breaking open my almirah and the safe inside it,” Nalinikanta said while narrating about the incident.

“I feel helpless now. They took gold jewelleries worth four to five lakhs from my house,” added Nalinikanta.

Bhubaneswar: A joint team of Directorate of Drugs Controller and Special Task Force of Commissionerate Police busted a fake handwash and sanitizer manufacturing unit in Jharpara area of the capital city here on Monday. Also Read: Fake Cough Syrup Smuggling: Odisha Police Busts Factory In Gujarat, 2 Arrested Acting on a tip-off, Drugs Inspectors Sudarsan Biswal, […]

Bhubaneswar: A joint team of Directorate of Drugs Controller and Special Task Force of Commissionerate Police busted a fake handwash and sanitizer manufacturing unit in Jharpara area of the capital city here on Monday.

Acting on a tip-off, Drugs Inspectors Sudarsan Biswal, Prabesh Kumar Lenka and Chandan Kumar Giri along with a team of Special Task Force conducted a raid at the S.S Industries in Jharpara area and busted the manufacturing unit.

A huge quantity of raw materials which were used to prepare the handwash and sanitizers were also seized during the raid. The estimated value of the seized raw materials is expected to be around Rs 3 lakh.

During interrogation, the joint team came to know that the unit was manufacturing the handwash and sanitizers for the last several days without any license. Besides, it has already circulated some of its products in the market.

According to sources, the unit had obtained license to manufacture some cleaning chemicals. However, it started to prepare the handwash and sanitizers taking advantage of their growing demands due to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the State.

While the S.S Industries was sealed following the raid, a case has been registered against its owner on charges of violating the Drugs & Cosmetics Act & Rules.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Amid the spread of COVID-19, Odisha government had earlier this month issued a warning to take strict action against those found involved in hoarding and black marketing of protective masks, handwash and sanitizers.

On March 14, the Union government had declared face masks and sanitizers as essential commodities till June 30, 2020 as it stepped up efforts to boost supply and prevent hoarding of these items in its fight against coronavirus.

This apart, the Centre also invoked the Disaster Management Act with an aim to ensure price regulation and availability of surgical and protective masks, sanitizer and gloves.

Bhubaneswar: The special task force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch claimed breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to check narcotics trade by seizing over two kilograms of brown sugar following raids at different locations under Nilagiri police limits in Balasore district. The cost of the seized brown sugar is estimated to be around Rs 2.70 crore. […]

Bhubaneswar: The special task force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch claimed
breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to check narcotics trade by seizing over two kilograms of brown sugar following raids at different locations under Nilagiri police limits in Balasore district.

The cost of the seized brown sugar is estimated to be around Rs 2.70 crore. This is said to be the biggest seizure of brown sugar in the recent past by Odisha Police.

Earlier, the Crime Branch STF had seized 1.749 kg of brown sugar worth over Rs 1 crore after raids at Jatni, Airfield and Pipili police station on March 11.

Odisha Police DG Abhay informed that two persons have been arrested in connection with seizure of 2.729 kg brown sugar from their possession.

“Due to sustained efforts of STF, brown sugar weighing around 6.756 kg has been seized so far in 2020. The seizure by STF is more than the total cumulative seizure made by Odisha Police during the last four years,” said Abhay.

As per official sources, the cumulative seizure by Odisha Police (all agencies of Odisha Police) was 541 grams in 2016, 1.782 kg in 2017, 635 grams in 2018 and 2.560 kg in 2019.

Earlier in February this year, the Special Task Force (STF) had arrested two persons involved in narcotics trade and seized 405 grams of brown sugar worth nearly Rs 40 lakh from their possession.

Two accused- Sk Saruk and Sanjiv Dehury, who hails from Balasore district, were arrested following a raid near Baramunda area in Bhubaneswar last month.

Bhubaneswar: It seems that Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch is intensifying its crackdown against drug trade which seems to have inter-State links as well as international footprints. In the biggest seizure by Odisha Police in the recent past, STF seized 1.749 kg of brown sugar worth over Rs 1 crore. The breakthrough […]

Bhubaneswar: It seems that Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch is intensifying its crackdown against drug trade which seems to have inter-State links as well as international footprints. In the biggest seizure by Odisha Police in the recent past, STF seized 1.749 kg of brown sugar worth over Rs 1 crore.

The breakthrough came after a special team of the STF conducted a raid based on a specific intelligence input from Jatni, Airfield and Pipili police station limits yesterday. Three persons involved in brown sugar peddling have also been arrested.

It is for the first time that such a big haul of brown sugar has been seized in a single operation by the Special Task Force of the Crime Branch. Addressing a presser, Odisha Police DG Abhay informed that STF has seized over 4 kgs of brown sugar following a massive crackdown in the last two months. The seizure is highest and even more than the cumulative figures of 2018 and 2019.

As per official sources, the cumulative seizure by Odisha Police (all agencies of Odisha Police) was 541 grams in 2016, 1.782 kg in 2017, 635 grams in 2018 and 2.560 kg in 2019.

“It is the biggest seizure of brown sugar by Odisha Police. The STF has launched a massive crackdown following clear instructions from the State government to put a check on the illegal narcotics trade,” said Abhay.

1.749 kg of brown sugar have so far been seized by STF of Crime Branch today & three smugglers have been arrested. A total of 4 kg brown sugar seized in last two months: #Odisha DGP Abhay pic.twitter.com/QcVECkGkGY

Senior police officials further informed that efforts are on to bust the entire brown sugar racket in Odisha by nabbing the peddlers involved in procurement of the narcotics substance from other States.

“We are working in close tandem with other law enforcing agencies of other States and similar operations against brown sugar trade will continue in coming days,” Abhay added.

Earlier in February this year, the Special Task Force (STF) had arrested two persons involved in narcotics trade and seized 405 grams of brown sugar worth nearly Rs 40 lakh from their possession.

Two accused- Sk Saruk and Sanjiv Dehury, who hails from Balasore district, were arrested following a raid near Baramunda area in Bhubaneswar last month.

Bhubaneswar: A group of miscreants brandished a pistol and fled the spot after filling petrol at a fuel station in Sundarpada area of Bhubaneswar. Though the incident occurred on February 9, the CCTV footage of the incident came to the fore today. As per reports, three-bike borne miscreants came to the filling station and asked […]

Bhubaneswar: A group of miscreants brandished a pistol and fled the spot after filling petrol at a fuel station in Sundarpada area of Bhubaneswar. Though the incident occurred on February 9, the CCTV footage of the incident came to the fore today.

As per reports, three-bike borne miscreants came to the filling station and asked an employee to fill petrol in their bike and said that they would pay the money through credit card.

However, after filling petrol in the bike, one of the youths brandished a gun on the employee and the trio later fled the spot. The other persons present at the spot also scampered to safety after seeing the gun in the miscreant’s hand.

Narrating the incident, an eyewitness said, “I had come to fill petrol that night when I saw three bike-borne youths hurling abuses while the employee was filling the petrol. Later, when he (employee) asked to pay the money, one of the youths brandished a gun and all other present at the petrol pump fled the spot to save their lives.”

Sunil Paikray, an employee at the petrol pump who was also present at the spot said, “We were doing overtime that day as the next day was a holiday for Holi. At around 8.30 PM, the three youths came on a bike while speeding through the filling station. Some employees at the station asked them to stop when they started quarrelling and barged into the manager’s office. As the manager was not present, we somehow managed to calm them down and offered petrol. Later, when we asked them money, one of the youth took out the gun and all of them later fled the spot.”

Informed, Airfield Police Station officials rushed to the spot after getting information and started investigation in connection with the incident.

“The IIC had come to the spot after getting information assured me to arrest the miscreants at the earliest. Patrolling in the area should be tightened,” informed owner of the petrol pump, Anil Paikray.

Jajpur: A 31-year-old teacher of a government-run school was arrested for allegedly raping two minor students repeatedly in Odisha’s Jajpur district, police said on Monday. The teacher of an upper primary school at Karada under Panikoili police station was arrested on Sunday on the basis of complaints filed by the parents of the victims. Ajaya […]

Jajpur: A 31-year-old teacher of a government-run school was arrested for allegedly raping two minor students repeatedly in Odisha’s Jajpur district, police said on Monday.

The teacher of an upper primary school at Karada under Panikoili police station was arrested on Sunday on the basis of complaints filed by the parents of the victims.

Ajaya Kumar Jena, Inspector In-charge of Panikoili police station, said the part-time instructor was accused of repeatedly raping two class 6 students in the school premises after classes were over on the pretext of teaching them privately.

The man had forced the two girls to enter into a physical relationship with him threatening them with dire consequences, Jena said.

The matter came to the fore on Friday after one of the girls told her mother that she will not go to school anymore.

When asked about the reason, she narrated the incident.

After the school authorities allegedly did not respond to the plea of the girl’s father, he lodged a complaint against the teacher with police on Saturday night.

Soon after, another man reached the police station and complained that his daughter too was sexually abused by the same teacher.

When contacted, Jajpur District Education Officer Krushna Chandra Nayak said an inquiry will be launched into the incident and allegations against the part-time instructor.

Bargarh: After launching a massive crackdown on narcotics trade, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Crime Branch on Friday seized fake Indian currency notes with the face value of Rs 2,00,600 from Bargarh. Three persons- Manglu Malkhar (42), Sudarshan Mohanty (36) and Prafulla Meher (56) have been arrested in connection with the incident. Acting […]

Bargarh: After launching a massive crackdown on narcotics trade, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Crime Branch on Friday seized fake Indian currency notes with the face value of Rs 2,00,600 from Bargarh.

Three persons- Manglu Malkhar (42), Sudarshan Mohanty (36) and Prafulla Meher (56) have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Acting on a tip-off, a special team of Crime Branch STF conducted raid at Bhatli chhak in the district and nabbed all the three persons who were reportedly involved in the illegal business of fake Indian currency notes (FICN).

Senior officials informed that as many as 288 fake notes in the denomination of Rs 500, 233 counterfeit notes in Rs 200 denomination and 100 notes of Rs 100 denomination were seized from their possession.

On February 12, 2020, Jajpur police busted a fake currency note racket and seized counterfeit currency with a face value of Rs 4.77 lakh from Danagadi Hat Padia area. A total of six persons were arrested while a printing machine, three mobile phones and two motorcycles were also seized from their possession.

Earlier in January, Srikakulam Police had busted a major gang by arresting five persons including three residents of Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district for their alleged involvement in the manufacture and circulation of fake currency notes. Fake notes in Rs 50 and Rs 200 denominations with a face value of Rs 1.48 lakh, printer, scanner and other articles were also seized.

Similarly, Rayagada Police had arrested one person and seized fake currency notes worth Rs 2.30 lakh from Tikiri area in November last year.

Bhubaneswar: What would you do when law enforcers turn violators? Of late, many such cases against police personnel have surfaced tarnishing the image of the Odisha Police which recently came under the purview of Mo Sarkar initiative of the Odisha government. In one such case today, a police havildar was arrested on the charges of […]

Bhubaneswar: What would you do when law enforcers turn violators? Of late, many such cases against police personnel have surfaced tarnishing the image of the Odisha Police which recently came under the purview of Mo Sarkar initiative of the Odisha government.

In one such case today, a police havildar was arrested on the charges of raping his minor niece. The accused, Bijay Sethi is posted as havildar at Capital Police Station in Bhubaneswar.

As per reports, Sethi had allegedly raped his 16-year-old niece when she was reportedly staying with his family. The accused committed the offence by spiking the food and drinks of the minor girl who had come to take care of her ailing aunt in October last year. Now the survivor is four-month pregnant.

Based on a complaint, Saheed Nagar Police arrested the accused havildar today.

“He (accused) is a relative as well as police official. After the family of the girl reported the matter, a complaint was filed against him,” said Sujata Nayak, a social activist.

Moreover, the accused even attempted to force the survivor to undergo abortion. He also allegedly issued threats to the girl, said family members.

“We want death penalty for the accused who was like a father to the girl,” said a relative.

It is not for the first time serious allegations have been levelled against police personnel who are supposed to protect the life of people. Earlier last month, one SSB constable was thrashed and later placed under suspension for allegedly misbehaving with a girl in Bhubaneswar.

A Koraput-based constable was also recently arrested for allegedly raping a woman in Nayapali area of Bhubaneswar. Moreover in the month of November last year, another constable was also arrested and suspended after he was found involved in brown sugar trade in the capital city.

“Odisha Police now needs to take exemplary action against the offenders to send a strong message,” said former DG Sanjeev Marik.

Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police today arrested a youth for allegedly looting gold ornaments and gift items from weddings and reception parties in Bhubaneswar. Multiple police complaints were lodged against the youth at Khandagiri and Kharbela Nagar police stations earlier. Based on the complaints and CCTV footages obtained from the marriage parties, Sheikh Abdul Latif, a resident […]

Multiple police complaints were lodged against the youth at Khandagiri and Kharbela Nagar police stations earlier.

Based on the complaints and CCTV footages obtained from the marriage parties, Sheikh Abdul Latif, a resident of Bhubaneswar was arrested by Khandagiri Police today.

“A total of four cases were lodged with the Commissionerate Police. Upon examination, we found the youth who was arrested today is involved in these cases. He used to enter marriage parties dressed as a guest and after inspecting the venue properly, he used to decamp with gifts and valuables,” said DCP, Anup Sahu.

Police have seized over Rs 3 lakh cash, a bag containing gift vouchers and gold ornaments worth Rs 2 lakh, a motorbike and a bullet from Latif’s possession, said sources.

“We had gone to the mandap gate for the ‘bidaai’ rituals. Upon returning, we realised the bag containing the gold ornaments & money was missing. Later, when we checked the CCTV footage, we spotted him picking up the bag,” said a victim, who was called to the Khandagiri Police Station for identification.

“He took part in the marriage like an acquaintance. He also sat and spoke to us. Later getting an opportunity, he fled with the bag,” said another victim.

A similar FIR was also lodged at Chandrasekharpur Police Station on March 3 as well.

A city-based businessman, Rajen Mohanty had lodged a complaint with Chandrasekharpur Police on Tuesday informing that during his son’s marriage reception in Kanan Vihar on February 29, gift vouchers worth lakhs of rupees and gold ornaments were stolen by a miscreant, who entered as guest.

Meanwhile, police are interrogating Latif to find if he is involved in the loot in Chandrasekharpur.

“A similar case was lodged at Chandrasekharpur Police Station recently, but he (Latif) did not say anything about it during interrogation. We are trying to establish whether Latif is the same person who was also involved in Chandrasekharpur theft,” added Sahu.

Bhubaneswar: Beware if you are planning to host marriage or any other function at a hotel or any other venue as miscreants posing as guests might turn up as party spoilers. In one such incident, a miscreant looted gold ornaments worth lakhs of rupees from a hotel where a wedding reception was being hosted by […]

Bhubaneswar: Beware if you are planning to host marriage or any other function at a hotel or any other venue as miscreants posing as guests might turn up as party spoilers. In one such incident, a miscreant looted gold ornaments worth lakhs of rupees from a hotel where a wedding reception was being hosted by a businessman in Chandrasekhapur area in Bhubaneswar.

According to reports, two robbers posing as guests turned up at the reception party of businessman Ranjan Mohanty’s son on February 29. Like any other guests, the two persons were seen sitting side by side throughout the event.

When family members of the hosts were busy clicking pictures and welcoming guests, the robbers looted a hand bag containing cash and gold ornaments worth nearly Rs 5 to 6 lakh.

“On the day of reception party of my son on February 29, we found that a bag containing cash and gold ornaments was missing at around 11:15 pm. After reviewing the footage from the CCTV camera installed at the wedding venue, we found that two persons were involved in the incident,” said Mohanty after lodging a police complaint.

From the CCTV visuals, one of the miscreants can be seen attempting to steal the bag twice. However, not a single member of the family was unable to spot or suspect the miscreants as they were dressed decently, Mohanty added.

It is not for the first time that such an incident of loot during marriage or reception party has been reported in Bhubaneswar. Earlier, two to three similar cases were reported from different parts of the city and it is suspected that a criminal gang might be behind such incidents of loot.

Anil Patnaik, manager of the hotel informed that, “It is for the first time such an incident occurred at the mandap. Though we had deployed 10 security guards, two suspects managed to enter the venue and decamp with the valuables.”

Patnaik further stated that the accused were identified from the CCTV footage. Meanwhile, police have launched a probe into the incident.

Rourkela: Making headway into the alleged gang rape case at Gotidhara in Brahmani Tarang police limits of the steel city, police on Monday arrested six persons involved in the heinous crime. All those who have been arrested are habitual offenders and involved in a series of loot cases in the past. However, another accused said […]

Rourkela: Making headway into the alleged gang rape case at Gotidhara in Brahmani Tarang police limits of the steel city, police on Monday arrested six persons involved in the heinous crime.

All those who have been arrested are habitual offenders and involved in a series of loot cases in the past. However, another accused said to be the kingpin of the crime is still absconding, police said.

On the night of February 23, seven miscreants armed with weapons barged into a stone crusher unit with an intention to loot valuable equipment. The caretaker of the crusher unit was asleep in the ground floor of a building while his wife was in the first floor.

Finding the woman alone, the robbers threatened to kill her and then took turns to rape her. When her husband rushed upstairs after hearing her screams, the miscreants thrashed him and also threatened him of dire consequences if he raised an alarm.

The robbers then fled with valuables worth lakhs of rupees from the crusher unit.

The police took up an investigation into the case based on a complaint registered last Tuesday. After arresting the six accused, police were able to seize the looted items from their possession.

Jajpur/ Keonjhar: A youth BJD leader was arrested on Saturday on the charges of a raping a minor girl in Jajpur district. The accused, Subhas Khuntia is reportedly president of the youth wing of the ruling party in Rasulpur area. As per the allegations, Khuntia raped the 11-year-old girl after abducting her. The matter came […]

Jajpur/ Keonjhar: A youth BJD leader was arrested on Saturday on the charges of a raping a minor girl in Jajpur district. The accused, Subhas Khuntia is reportedly president of the youth wing of the ruling party in Rasulpur area.

As per the allegations, Khuntia raped the 11-year-old girl after abducting her. The matter came to light after the survivor managed to escape from the house where Khuntia had confined her on February 26.

Later, father of the girl lodged a formal complaint at Kuakhia police station in connection with the incident on February 28. Based on the complaint, police arrested Khuntia yesterday.

“We have arrested the accused based on the complaint filed against him,” said Jajpur Road SDPO, Chinmaya Nayak.

Meanwhile, the accused refuted the allegations levelled against him. “The allegations are completely baseless,” said Khuntia.

In another incident, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped after being kidnapped by an unidentified person at an isolated place under Joda police limits in Keonjhar district.

The survivor’s father lodged a police complaint yesterday alleging that his daughter was drugged, raped and looted of her gold ornaments.

The girl, who was rescued in a critical condition, is now undergoing treatment at Tata Steel hospital at Joda and her condition is said to be critical.

A case in connection with the incident has been registered and further investigation is underway, police said.

Bhubaneswar: A day after allegations of child sale rocked Bhubaneswar, Commissionerate Police on Friday arrested three more persons including the 19-day-old infant’s father and two middlemen. Khandagiri Police earlier rescued the infant within six hours of allegations of child sale surfaced. A person, who reportedly had taken the baby after allegedly paying a sum of […]

Bhubaneswar: A day after allegations of child sale rocked Bhubaneswar, Commissionerate Police on Friday arrested three more persons including the 19-day-old infant’s father and two middlemen.

Khandagiri Police earlier rescued the infant within six hours of allegations of child sale surfaced. A person, who reportedly had taken the baby after allegedly paying a sum of Rs 10,000, was arrested yesterday.

All the four persons have been booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 370 and 34 and section 81 of the Juvenile Justice Act. However, the child’s father has categorically refuted the allegations that the baby was sold in lieu of money.

“There was no monetary transaction involved,” said the baby’s father.

The person, who reportedly had taken the baby, too clarified that he had taken the child with no ulterior motive. “I have no children for which I adopted the baby with a good intention. I was not aware of the rules,” he said.

The matter came to fore after Childline officials swung into action following reports that the baby was sold for Rs 1.5 lakh.

“The person who took the baby is my friend. As he did not have any child and the lady was not willing to keep her’s, I asked my friend to contact the family,” said one of the arrested middlemen.

Earlier, the baby’s mother had revealed that she decided to hand over her child because of poverty and with a hope to ensure a better life for her child. “I do not know the person but handed over the baby as he promised to take care of him. Moreover, he assured to provide my husband a job,” the child’s mother had told yesterday.

Dr. Parshuram Moharana, deputy chairperson CWC said, “At present the baby is undergoing treatment at a hospital. The baby will be eligible for adoption if his mother doesn’t want to take the baby.”

Pranakrushna Rout, Zone-3 ACP informed that preliminary probe reveals that the child was sold for Rs 10,000 on the basis of some court agreement.

“There is a law pertaining to adoption and everything has to be done as per law. But in the case there were deviations and we have arrested four persons,” said Rout.

Kendrapara: A five-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man known to her family in Kendrapara district, police said on Friday. The suspect has been detained for allegedly committing the crime on Thursday night, Inspector of Pattamundai police station Rakesh Tripathy said. Though no complaint has been lodged in this connection, the police launched an […]

Vishakhapatnam/Bhubaneswar: In a major haul, a consignment of 1, 638 kg of cannabis worth Rs 2.45 crore being illegally transported to Bhubaneswar from Vishakhapatnam in a goods carriage was seized and four persons were arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Vishakhapatnam on Wednesday. The identification of the arrested persons is yet to be […]

Vishakhapatnam/Bhubaneswar: In a major haul, a consignment of 1, 638 kg of cannabis worth Rs 2.45 crore being illegally transported to Bhubaneswar from Vishakhapatnam in a goods carriage was seized and four persons were arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Vishakhapatnam on Wednesday. The identification of the arrested persons is yet to be known.

Later, the officials searched the goods carriage vehicle and found 40 bags concealed under a load of banana stalks. The bags were stuffed with 800 packets of brown packets containing ganja. The DRI officials also arrested four persons for their involvement in the transportation of the cannabis.

Sources said, the contraband consignment was loaded in the vehicle near Narsipatnam on February 26 and handed over to the driver near Anakapalle the same day. The contraband item was reportedly procured from Vishaka agency area and was being transported to Bhubaneswar.

The said item was detained under the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Meanwhile, the DRI has also seized the vehicle and further investigation into the case is on.

Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of State CID, Crime Branch arrested two persons involved in narcotics trade and seized 405 grams of brown sugar worth nearly Rs 40 lakh from their possession. The accused Sk Saruk and Sanjiv Dehury, who hails from Balasore district, were arrested following a raid near Baramunda area yesterday. Addressing […]

Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of State CID, Crime Branch arrested two persons involved in narcotics trade and seized 405 grams of brown sugar worth nearly Rs 40 lakh from their possession.

The accused Sk Saruk and Sanjiv Dehury, who hails from Balasore district, were arrested following a raid near Baramunda area yesterday.

Addressing a press conference, Crime Branch ADG, Soumendra Priyadarshi today informed that both the accused were involved in the illegal brown sugar trade for the past several years and many criminal cases are pending against them at different police stations in Balasore district.

“Acting on a tip-off, our team intercepted the duo near Baramunda and seized over 400 grams of brown sugar. This is for the third time that brown sugar over 300 grams has been seized in the past one month,” said Priyadarshi.

Priyadarshi informed that the duo used to procure brown sugar from Murshidabad, Kolkata and Kharagpur and supply it to several other dealers in Bhubaneswar.

It is pertinent to mention here that Crime Branch STF has launched a major drive against the illegal narcotics trade and seized over 1 kg brown sugar since January 2020.

Besides, 24 persons have been arrested in 13 cases registered following crackdown in several parts of the State including Balasore, Angul, Puri, Dhenkanal, Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak. The STF has also seized Rs 13.21 lakh, eight motorcycles and other crucial documents during the special drive.

Apart from the Crime Branch STF, Commissionerate Police has also formed a special drug task force to put a check on the brown sugar trade.

Senior officials of Commissionerate police informed that over 105 persons have been arrested in 56 cases pertaining to brown sugar smuggling and peddling registered in the last three months. Besides, 1,302 grams of brown sugar worth nearly Rs 1.5 crore has been seized and over 40 persons from outside Bhubaneswar arrested in special drive of Commissionerate Police, sources said.

Bhubaneswar: A BSF jawan was arrested by Commissionerate Police on the charges of cheating and blackmailing a girl in Bhubaneswar on the basis of an obscene video. The accused, identified as Manoj Mahakud, was arrested by Mahila police after a complaint was lodged by the victim. According to reports, the accused jawan was into a […]

Bhubaneswar: A BSF jawan was arrested by Commissionerate Police on the charges of cheating and blackmailing a girl in Bhubaneswar on the basis of an obscene video. The accused, identified as Manoj Mahakud, was arrested by Mahila police after a complaint was lodged by the victim.

According to reports, the accused jawan was into a relationship with the victim for the last three years. The jawan had met the girl at the office of a builder when he had reportedly gone to purchase a plot.

Cupid then struck the jawan and the girl and everything was going smoothly for them. However, their relationship turned soar after the girl reportedly learnt that the jawan was already married.

The girl alleged that the jawan threatened to kill her and throw acid on her after she pressurized him for marriage.

“I was not aware that he (jawan) was married. He married me in a temple and also took money from me. Later, he and his family members threatened me to throw acid and even kill me,” alleged that victim.

Bhubaneswar DCP Anup Sahu informed that basing on the allegation of rape brought by the girl, the accused BSF jawan has been arrested.

“Medical examination of the accused will be conducted. Statement of the girl will also be recorded under 164 of the CrPC,” said Sahu.

The accused BSF jawan, on the other hand, refuted the allegations and said, “The girl has taken money from me on the pretext of providing land. She has not returned the money and circulated a video by creating fake ID.”

It is not for the first time that serious allegations have been levelled against the men in uniform. Earlier, last week, one SSB jawan was suspended for allegedly misbehaving with a girl in Bhubaneswar. Nayapalli police had also earlier arrested a constable of Koraput for allegedly raping a woman in Bhubaneswar.

Cuttack: After a brief lull, another incident of loot has been reported from the millennium city. As per reports, unidentified miscreants looted cash and over 250 grams of gold ornaments from a house at Tarol area under Jagatpur police limits in Cuttack late last night. According to reports, four-masked robbers barged into the house of […]

Cuttack: After a brief lull, another incident of loot has been reported from the millennium city. As per reports, unidentified miscreants looted cash and over 250 grams of gold ornaments from a house at Tarol area under Jagatpur police limits in Cuttack late last night.

According to reports, four-masked robbers barged into the house of Sudhanshu Kumar Nayak at around 2 AM last night. All the family members of Nayak were sleeping when the armed robbers entered their house by breaking the door.

“I was sleeping when I heard a loud noise and rushed downstairs. Later, four armed miscreants attacked me and locked my son and other members inside a room and looted cash and gold ornaments at gunpoint,” said Nayak.

Nayak, who was staying along with his two sons and wife, informed that the all the robbers were holding sharp weapons and guns.
“When my son tried to save us, the miscreants thrashed him and locked all of us in one room,” said Nayak.
Recounting the horror, Nayak’s son Sabyasachi said, “The miscreants overpowered me when I tried to resist. My younger brother had locked himself inside the room after sensing trouble. But they caught him after breaking the door.”

Sabyasachi further alleged that poor patrolling at night is to be blamed for the rise in armed dacoity in Jagatpur.

“At least eight major robberies have been reported from the area in the last eight months. And in two such incidents, miscreants have looted cash and other valuables by holding family members hostage,” said Gokulananda Mishra, a local resident.

Meanwhile, senior police officials could not be contacted to respond to the allegations.

Bhadrak: A woman was allegedly abducted and gang raped by two unidentified persons while she was returning from a temple after attending Mahashivratri celebrations under Bhandaripokhari Police limits in Bhadrak district on Friday night. According to reports, while the woman was returning from the local Shiv Temple after attending special rituals on the occasion of […]

Bhadrak: A woman was allegedly abducted and gang raped by two unidentified persons while she was returning from a temple after attending Mahashivratri celebrations under Bhandaripokhari Police limits in Bhadrak district on Friday night.

According to reports, while the woman was returning from the local Shiv Temple after attending special rituals on the occasion of Mahashivratri, two men allegedly overpowered the woman and took her to an isolated location. The miscreants raped her in turns and fled after she raised an alarm for help.

Narrating her ordeal, the survivor said, “I had gone to the temple to attend the rituals as it was Mahashivratri. However, two men, whom I could not identify, followed me while I was returning home at around 11 PM. They forcibly took me to an abandoned house by gagging me and raped me one after the other.”

“Bhandaripokhari Police rescued me at around 12 AM after learning about the incident from the locals,” she added.

The survivor was admitted at Bhandaripokhari Community Health Centre for treatment. Her condition is stated to be critical, informed sources.

Police have started an investigation in the matter after registering an FIR.

“We have registered an FIR based on the allegation of the woman,” informed Sanatan Sahu, IIC, Bhandaripokhari Police Station.

Sonepur: A woman was allegedly burnt alive by her in-laws over dowry at Binikapara area in Sonepur district of Odisha. According to the allegations levelled by the family members of the deceased woman, she was being tortured by her in-laws for dowry. “My daughter was tortured by her in-laws who had been repeatedly demanding dowry […]

Sonepur: A woman was allegedly burnt alive by her in-laws over dowry at Binikapara area in Sonepur district of Odisha. According to the allegations levelled by the family members of the deceased woman, she was being tortured by her in-laws for dowry.

“My daughter was tortured by her in-laws who had been repeatedly demanding dowry since long. I gave them a gold necklace but still they used to demand more money and other items. They have killed my daughter,” alleged father of the deceased, Pradeep Sahu.

On the other hand, after finding her engulfed in flames, in-laws of the woman have claimed that they couldn’t get an ambulance so they brought a rickshaw to admit her to the hospital. However, she reportedly breathed her last at the hospital.

“We immediately called up ambulance services, but the hospital authorities first said that there was no ambulance. Later, they said the driver of the ambulance was not present. We then requested several auto drivers but no one helped us. We then carried her on a rickshaw,” said brother-in-law of the deceased.

Besides, it was also alleged that the body remained unattended outside the hospital on the rickshaw for the entire night.

Meanwhile, police have detained the husband of the deceased for interrogation. No comments could be obtained from the in-laws of the deceased and the hospital authorities over the allegations.

Puri: The safety and security of girls have once again come under scrutiny after two minor girls were allegedly raped in separate incidents in Puri district. Carrying out probe into the cases, police on Monday detained a priest on the charges of raping a minor girl under Kumbharpada Police limits in Puri. Though the incident […]

Puri: The safety and security of girls have once again come under scrutiny after two minor girls were allegedly raped in separate incidents in Puri district. Carrying out probe into the cases, police on Monday detained a priest on the charges of raping a minor girl under Kumbharpada Police limits in Puri.

Though the incident occurred some seven to eight days back, the matter came to light after the survivor’s family lodged a formal complaint in connection with the incident two days back.

According to reports, the accused priest Umesh was visiting the minor’s girl’s house to conduct puja on a daily basis. Following allegations levelled by the girl’s family, police today detained the accused.

Meanwhile, the accused priest has refuted the allegations levelled against him.

“The girl is just like my daughter and I am being falsely implicated in the case,” said accused, Umesh.

In another incident, a minor girl was allegedly raped by her neighbour under Chandanpur Police limits on February 15. Sources said that the accused managed to abscond as there was a delay on the part of the family to register a complaint in connection with the incident.

Puri SP Uma Shankar Das informed that two cases under POCSO Act have been registered and we have arrested one accused.

“We have formed a team to nab the accused involved in rape of a minor girl under Chandanpur Police limits. The accused managed to escape as there was a delay in reporting the incident,” said Dash.

Sundergarh: Tension gripped Deulahudi village after four members of a family, including two minor children, were found dead inside the courtyard of their house in the wee hours on Sunday. The deceased have been identified as Kande Munda, his wife Sumi and two children- Malini (7) and Mara Munda (5). It is alleged that all […]

Sundergarh: Tension gripped Deulahudi village after four members of a family, including two minor children, were found dead inside the courtyard of their house in the wee hours on Sunday. The deceased have been identified as Kande Munda, his wife Sumi and two children- Malini (7) and Mara Munda (5).

It is alleged that all of them were hacked to death by Kali Munda- younger brother of the deceased Kande Munda. Though the exact reason behind the brutal murders is unclear, it is suspected that all the four persons were killed over some family feud.

Following the incident, senior police officials reached the spot and have started a probe into the incident.

According to police, Kali Munda had earlier given some money to his elder brother. Moreover, there was also some dispute over property.

“There was an altercation between Kali and his brother Kande over the money yesterday. In a fit of rage, Kali attacked Kande, his wife and two children with an axe,” said Brajakishore Das, ASI Bonai Police Station.

Das informed that the accused Kali has been detained and further investigation is on.

Baripada: Five persons were arrested in Baripada after two elephant tusks were seized, officials said on Friday. The seizure was made on Thursday night, said officials of the Baripada Forest Division. It is suspected that the tusks belonged to a male elephant of about nine years old. They might have killed the elephant in Similipal […]

Cuttack: Officials of Cuttack Forest Division on Sunday arrested a notorious elephant poacher, Babuli Mahalik (45) for his alleged involvement in hunting of over 20 elephants in Athagarh Forest Division of the district. Acting on a tip-off, a special squad of forest officials led by Athagarh Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sasmita Lenka, raided the house […]

Cuttack: Officials of Cuttack Forest Division on Sunday arrested a notorious elephant poacher, Babuli Mahalik (45) for his alleged involvement in hunting of over 20 elephants in Athagarh Forest Division of the district.

Acting on a tip-off, a special squad of forest officials led by Athagarh Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sasmita Lenka, raided the house of Mahalik at Durgaprasad village under in Narsinghpur area of the district and arrested him.

Upon interrogation, Mahalik confessed that he along with his two associates poached two tuskers in Athagarh division under Maniabandha section of the district on 20 February in 2018 and sold the tusks in Nayagarh area.

Mahalik informed that he charges around Rs 30,000 for shooting down an elephant and revealed that he has killed over 20 elephants so far. The forest officials also seized deer skins, antlers and a country-made gun from his possession.

“Babuli is a habitual poacher of Narsinghpur area. He has shot down more than 20 tuskers till date and smuggled tusks to several places. During interrogation, he confessed to have killed two elephants and smuggled their tusks in February in 2018. The case was handed over to Crime Branch after the forest department failed to make any arrests in connection with the case,” informed the DFO.

“After being tipped off regarding his plans to hunt another elephant, we picked him up from his house,” added Lenka.

Based on the inputs of Mahalik about selling the tusks of elephants in Nayagarh area, Lenka said that Nayagarh DFO has been intimated about the matter and investigation will be initiated in this regard soon.

On Saturday, two persons were arrested by the forest department officials for their alleged involvement in elephant poaching case in Sonepur in 2019. The accused have been identified as Suresh Karna and Kalia Karna of Meghanand village of the district. Two tusks weighing nearly 3 kg each were also recovered from their possession.